Model Answer

Delhi’s winter air pollution results from the interaction of multiple emission sources with unfavourable meteorological conditions. Recent measures such as vehicle restrictions, construction bans and work-from-home requirements highlight the severity of the recurring problem.

Causes of Winter Air Pollution

1. Vehicular emissions release particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. e.g: High dependence on private vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
2. Road and construction dust significantly increases particulate pollution. e.g: Large construction and demolition sites.
3. Industrial emissions from the wider NCR contribute to Delhi’s common airshed.
4. Biomass and waste burning add smoke and fine particulate matter.
5. Stubble burning in neighbouring States periodically worsens pollution.
6. Winter conditions such as temperature inversion, low wind speed and shallow mixing height trap pollutants near the surface.

Major Challenges

1. Regional nature of pollution makes Delhi-only measures inadequate.
2. Multiple pollution sources require coordination across sectors.
3. Seasonal measures often manage peaks rather than underlying emissions. e.g: GRAP restrictions.
4. Economic costs arise from construction bans and work-from-home mandates.
5. Enforcement gaps reduce compliance with pollution-control measures.

Way Forward

1. Adopt an airshed-based approach involving Delhi and neighbouring States.
2. Expand clean public transport and electric mobility. e.g: Delhi EV Policy and Metro network.
3. Control dust through mechanised sweeping and strict construction norms.
4. Provide viable alternatives to stubble and waste burning.
5. Strengthen real-time monitoring and year-round implementation of clean-air plans.

Delhi’s air pollution cannot be solved through emergency winter restrictions alone. Long-term improvement requires year-round emission reduction, regional coordination and cleaner urban development.